Cybersecurity and Cloud Storage
I was managing a company’s network as their Managed Service Provider when we received a call that a folder with many of their files was missing in their online Microsoft 365 SharePoint. We investigated the issue and found that none of their files had been nefariously deleted. We also determined there hadn’t been anyone trying to hack into the system and steal their data. Yet, it remained a fact that their files were missing.
We continued our detective work, checking if any credentials had been changed, but everything seemed in order. No one from outside had accessed their network.
Accidentally Deleted or Moved
Finally, one of our technicians had a hunch that a current employee might have accidentally deleted or moved the file. After a little more investigation, we indeed found that had occurred. When an employee was moving his mouse across the screen, he had accidentally grabbed a file folder and dropped it into another folder. It had been difficult to solve this case, but with some very good detective work, we were able to restore the file folder to its original location.
Data Security & The Human Component
After this experience, I started thinking more about data security in the cloud. Even though large file service companies like Microsoft 365 have very secure cloud storage, what about the end-user – the human component? What happens when someone deletes the wrong file by mistake? How often does this happen? While most of these cases are accidental, what happens when an unhappy employee, who thinks they have nothing to lose, decides to take out her company’s file repository? Could they recover the data – their forms, spreadsheets, and intellectual property?
Data Retention & Backup
Fortunately, Microsoft 365 has a retention policy that your company can use. It is good for up to 93 days. That’s a really good start, but in some cases, it may not be enough. Your MSP should have a service to back up to your Microsoft 365 OneDrive and SharePoint. This is a great way to ensure you never lose your data, either to a mistake or to a disgruntled employee. The backup service your IT company can set up for you is automatic. It’s one of those “set it and forget it” programs, although it should be tested periodically. If you have Microsoft 365 or a similar service for storing documents in the cloud, consider incorporating this service into your network. It just might save the day for your business down the road.
For help with cybersecurity and data backup, scheduled a free consultation with Integrinet IT.
